Iran's deputy health minister and an MP have both tested positive for the new coronavirus, as it struggles to contain an outbreak that has killed 15.
The country is one of three hot-spots outside China causing concern that the virus could be becoming a pandemic.
The deputy minister, Iraj Harirchi, on Monday denied covering up the scale of the outbreak. He appeared in physical discomfort as he spoke to reporters.
Iran has reported 95 cases, but the actual number is thought to be higher.
The director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) has said the sudden increase in cases in countries outside China is "deeply concerning".
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that Washington was concerned that Iran may have concealed "vital details" about its outbreak and urged all nations to "tell the truth about the coronavirus".
More people have died in Iran from the virus than anywhere else outside China. The two countries have strong trading links.
The other countries currently in the spotlight are South Korea and Italy, where cases have surged in recent days.
Iran's president has urged people to comply with the health ministry's directives
More than 80,000 cases of the Covid-19 respiratory disease have been reported worldwide since it emerged late last year. About 2,700 patients have died - the vast majority in China.
But the situation in Iran - home to holy sites that attract millions every year and in a region where several countries have weak health systems - has caused great concern about a potential mass outbreak in the Middle East.
Of the current hot-spots outside China, Iran is the most concerning because of the lack of an accurate picture of how widespread the outbreak really is, said Dr Nathalie MacDermott, an expert in infectious diseases at King's College London.
Most of the reported cases have been people who are elderly and dying, she said. "It seems like we're hearing about the tip of the iceberg and missing that chunk underneath who may be younger and may not be particularly unwell."

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
We will give everything to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup – Lawrence Agyekum
6 minutes -
Advisory | Ghana’s credit ratings upgrade: A vote of confidence, but not a passport to borrow
18 minutes -
Health Accounting Staff Association agitates over delayed negotiations
23 minutes -
Joy Prime launches ‘PrimeTime’ with George Quaye, as Samini sets tone with bold remarks on justice and leadership
28 minutes -
More businesses set to reduce prices from July 1, 2025 – GNCC CEO
31 minutes -
Government urged to extend validation for payment of trainee nurses and midwives’ allowances
42 minutes -
Afreximbank Chief Economist urges Ghana to lead Africa’s trade agenda ahead of IATF 2025
46 minutes -
Foreign Minister engages Israeli and Iranian Ambassadors over Middle East conflict
1 hour -
First batch of Ghanaians evacuated from Iran to Turkey
1 hour -
Bryan Acheampong poised to contest NPP Flagbearer race – Mpraeso MP confirms
1 hour -
Green Palette Stakeholders Conference sparks national dialogue on plastic pollution and sustainable action
2 hours -
Playing with Abu Francis is not about competition – Lawrence Agyekum
2 hours -
Desmond Ofei texted me to inform me of maiden Black Stars call-up – Lawrence Agyekum
2 hours -
Today’s Front pages :Friday , June 20, 2025
3 hours -
1st mini-clinic of Ecobank-JoyNews Habitat Fair starts today
3 hours